A GROUP of French pupils returned home last week after a successful and enjoyable visit to North Tawton.
The 29 pupils, two teachers, and four other adults, from Blangy-leChateau and St Philbert in Normandy, were in West Devon from Friday to Wednesday of last week and slept in North Tawton Primary School.
On the Monday they visited Exmouth with North Tawton pupils, a trip paid for by the town's twinning committee.
The evening before they returned, the French pupils and their North Tawton friends enjoyed a buffet and disco in the town's rugby club.
Headteacher Neil Hallam said the successful visit had brought the two cultures and communities together.
He said: 'It was amazing to see how the bonding process had taken over, despite the difficulties there were in not speaking each other's language very well — they got to know each other in a tremendous way.'
Mr Hallam said North Tawton parents hosted the children for evening meals and took them out during the weekend.
'The generosity and hospitality of the parents was superb,' he added.
North Tawton pupils hope to visit their French friends next year.